DRINKING WATER
Using Biological Competition To Suppress Algae Growth
Effective algae control shifts the focus from removal to nutrient management. By leveraging bioaugmentation to outcompete algae for nitrogen and phosphorus, facilities can stabilize pH levels and dissolved oxygen, ensuring long-term pond clarity and consistent wastewater treatment performance.
DRINKING WATER CASE STUDIES AND WHITE PAPERS
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![ProtectingOurWater]( "Protecting Our Water – Keep Chemicals In The Tank")
Protecting Our Water – Keep Chemicals In The TankLeaking or overfilled tanks can cause environmental problems, contaminate drinking water, and cost a company millions of dollars. Proper instrumentation, monitoring and control can prevent these problems. By Bill Sholette, Level Products Business Manager, and Ricardo Chavez, Solutions Business Manager, Endress+Hauser
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City Of Punta Gorda Improves Distribution System Residuals By Installing The Tank Shark® Mixing System In Two Million Gallon Punta Gorda Isles Reservoir
Historic Punta Gorda, located on the shores of scenic Charlotte Harbor on the west coast of Florida prides itself in the proactive management of its water supply. With the responsibility of providing water to over 34,000 customers in the 38 square mile service area, Punta Gorda manages 237 miles of distribution pipe and two water storage facilities. The 1 million gallon (MG) Burnt Store elevated tank and the 2 MG Punta Gorda Isles ground storage tank provide distribution system balance as well as the ability to meet peak demands and fire protection capacity.
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Real-Time Heavy Metal Monitoring For Oil & Gas
Large, distributed water networks are not well-suited for conventional water monitoring processes which rely on manual sampling and lab testing. In particular, this midstream oil and gas company had a need to detect Iron, Selenium, and other heavy metals at a precise level comparable to a lab. In addition, it wasn’t feasible to manually test the entire water system at the requisite frequency. Finally, instrument reliability and unplanned downtime were an issue.
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Active Mixing Helps Rural Utility Solve Problems From Ice Buildup And Stratification In Potable Water Storage Tank
Lyons, Michigan, pop.789, overcomes winter “ice cake” problem without having to raise and lower tank water level, ensuring full-strength water pressure and fire protection flow for residents.
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![ice-formation]( "Delivering A Reliable Water Supply In All Weathers, Thanks To Active Mixing")
Delivering A Reliable Water Supply In All Weathers, Thanks To Active MixingIce formation can lead to a range of issues including water pressure fluctuations, increased maintenance costs, and the risk of structural damage. Learn about a solution that is designed specifically to effectively mix stored water throughout a tank.
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![Is Coagulation Followed By Filtration Viable To Remove Arsenic When Raw Water Arsenic Levels Are High?]( "Is Coagulation Followed By Filtration Viable To Remove Arsenic When Raw Water Arsenic Levels Are High? (Loprest)")
Is Coagulation Followed By Filtration Viable To Remove Arsenic When Raw Water Arsenic Levels Are High? (Loprest)A pilot study hoped to demonstrate "proof of concept" if coagulation followed by filtration was a viable technology to remove arsenic when raw water arsenic levels are high.
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![water-stress]( "Shining A Light On Global Water Stress")
Shining A Light On Global Water StressThe word “unprecedented” is overused and often abused. Water stress, however — the situation in which the water resources in a region or country are insufficient for its needs — is today a major threat and we are in fact facing “unprecedented” challenges. Climate change is a big factor contributing to it, but it’s not the only factor. Without rapid changes in industrial water usage, it is predicted that within 10 years there will be a 40 percent global water deficit.
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![AMI_resiliency_iStock-462453821]( "How AMI Works To Underpin Resiliency")
How AMI Works To Underpin ResiliencyWith the rate of natural disasters on the upswing—and the possibility of terror attacks and source water issues always present—municipalities are under more pressure than ever to build resiliency into their water systems.
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![TWOPHOTOS-FORSYTHCOUNTYGA]( "AFC Semper RPM'S “Lift And Shift” Ability Shines In Forsyth County, Georgia")
AFC Semper RPM'S “Lift And Shift” Ability Shines In Forsyth County, GeorgiaSince the Forsyth County, Georgia, Department of Water and Sewer deployed the AMERICAN Flow Control SEMPER Remote Pressure Monitor (RPM) more than a year ago, it has seen numerous advantages. But the AFC SEMPER’s ability to move from one system asset to another, “Lift and Shift,” is among the greatest.
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![Xylem Expertise Helps South Carolina Utility Eliminate Taste And Odor Issues In Drinking Water]( "Xylem Helps South Carolina Utility Eliminate Taste And Odor Issues In Drinking Water")
Xylem Helps South Carolina Utility Eliminate Taste And Odor Issues In Drinking WaterAdvanced oxidation treatment system and water treatment plant upgrade save money.
DRINKING WATER APPLICATION NOTES
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Deployment Of NextStep In Reverse Osmosis Systems1/15/2026
Pulsafeeder has secured a significant order for its NextStep series of stepper motor-driven metering pumps, specifically for use in advanced Reverse Osmosis (RO) applications. This deployment underscores the growing demand for precision chemical dosing in high-performance water treatment systems. The order includes NextStep NS1 and NS9 models, each selected for their unique capabilities in high-pressure and low-pressure RO environments.
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Analyzing Total Organic Carbon In Sea Water4/2/2015
The analysis of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) in seawater can be both challenging and expensive. The concentration of organic carbon in seawater is of considerable interest. The effect this matrix can have on TOC analyzers can lead to rapid consumable turnover, costly maintenance and repairs.
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Preliminary Assessment Of Water Quality In Riviera Grise Near Port-Au-Prince, Haiti10/17/2012
The Riviera Grise drains water from the Cul-de-Sac watershed, Haiti, which covers most of the rural areas along the flood plains and areas that extend into steep hillsides. It also covers urban areas of Port-Au-Prince, the capital city of Haiti.
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Application Note: Turbidity Monitoring In Drinking Water Treatment Plants8/30/2005
Turbidity, or the relative clarity of a liquid (in this case drinking water), is caused by the presence of microscopic particles such as clay, silt, or other fine undissolved matter
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Determination Of Pesticide Residue In Vegetables9/10/2014
QuEChERS is a Quick-Easy-Cheap-Effective-Rugged-Safe extraction method that has been developed for the determination of pesticide residues in agricultural commodities.
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Recording & Control: In Coagulant Dosage Applications For Potable Water Treatment7/1/2019
Potable water or drinking water as it is also known, is water that is safe to drink or to be used in food preparation. Typically, in developed countries, tap water meets the required drinking water standards, although only a small proportion is actually drank or used in food preparation.
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'TOTEX' Is Key When Purchasing Instrumentation4/29/2021
There’s a lot to be considered in the price tag of an ultrasonic instrument. Derek Moore from Siemens explains how the historical way of thinking only of capital costs needs to change to the more holistic approach of total expenditures.
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Application Note: Simultaneous Determination Of Total Bound Nitrogen (TNb) And Total Organic Carbon (TOC) In Aqueous Samples5/31/2011Total bound nitrogen (TNb) consists of dissolved ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, amines, and other organic nitrogen-containing compounds. TNb measurements represent an alternative to Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) analysis for rapid screening of industrial wastewater, drinking water,agricultural run-off, and surface waters. By OI Analytical
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Dosing Of Sodium Hypochlorite Solution For Drinking Water Disinfection9/22/2022
A water purveyor was in urgent need of a chemically resistant flow instrumentation with a long life of service that allowed reliable and long-term stable dosing of the sodium hypochlorite solution.
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Reduced Bore Electromagnetic Flowmeter10/29/2021
Being able to accurately measure both the quantity and rate of water passing through a water distribution system is crucial to gain an informed understanding of overall efficiency. As such, achieving a measurement that is exact as possible can have a significant impact on key areas. This includes supply planning, maintenance, resource deployment, leakage detection and the overall environment.
DRINKING WATER PRODUCTS
The PanaFlow gas meter system consists of two models— the one-path PanaFlow Z1G and the two-path PanaFlow Z2G. Both meters offer a high-performance, yet affordable solution for a variety of gas flow applications.
Xylem offers a comprehensive suite of pipeline assessment services designed to help utilities proactively manage infrastructure and reduce risk. By combining advanced inspection technologies, engineering expertise, and data-driven analytics, Xylem empowers pipeline owners to make informed decisions that extend asset life, improve reliability, and minimize capital expenditures. These services are tailored to address the full lifecycle of pipeline integrity—from risk planning to condition monitoring and long-term asset management.
Whether utilities are dealing with aging infrastructure, regulatory pressures, or budget constraints, Xylem’s assessment solutions provide the clarity and confidence needed to prioritize investments and prevent failures. With a focus on actionable insights, utilities can shift from reactive maintenance to strategic planning, ensuring safer, more resilient water and wastewater systems.
Xylem’s Core Assessment Service Solutions Include:
- System Risk Analysis & Planning - Develop a prioritized inspection strategy based on risk profiles and operational feasibility.
- Pipeline Inspection & Monitoring -Use advanced technologies to detect threats and assess pipeline condition in real time.
- Engineering & Advanced Analytics - Apply structural evaluations, predictive modeling, and performance forecasting to guide decision-making.
- Risk Mitigation & Asset Management - Translate condition data into actionable strategies for long-term pipeline reliability and investment planning.
- Force Main Management - Assess and manage high-risk force mains using specialized inspection tools and analytics.
- Inline Leak Detection - Identify and locate leaks with minimal disruption using free-swimming or tethered inspection platforms.
CoriolisMaster FCB400 series of compact Coriolis mass flowmeters feature low pressure drop, high capacity, intuitive ABB common display, five modular I/O's and HART communication.
Endress+Hauser offers continuous level measurement and point level detection in liquids and bulk solids
HYMAX GRIP® joins and restrains a wide selection of pipes of different types and diameters, easily and reliably. Due to its patented design, it allows the joining of pipes of the same or different materials and diameters and preventing axial pipe movement.
HYMAX GRIP joins and restrains a wide selection of pipes of different types and diameters, easily and reliably. Due to its patented design, it allows the joining of pipes of the same or different materials and diameters and preventing axial pipe movement.
LATEST INSIGHTS ON DRINKING WATER
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![tractor_sludge_Getty-2155530305]( "Why Too Much Phosphorus In America's Farmland Is Polluting The Country's Water")
When people think about agricultural pollution, they often picture what is easy to see: fertilizer spreaders crossing fields or muddy runoff after a heavy storm. However, a much more significant threat is quietly and invisibly building in the ground. -
![EnvironmentPeople_004]( "Water In 2026: The Nexus Of Policy, Technology, And Resilience")
As water systems become more circular and complex, understanding and managing the subsurface — the hidden half of the water cycle — is becoming a critical enabler of resilience. This article explores the key trends shaping this new reality, from tackling “forever chemicals” to the water strategies redefining heavy industry. -
![Cutting Red Tape-GettyImages-502421630]( "How The NEPA Rollback Will Impact Water And Wastewater Industries")
The White House has finalized plans to roll back rules under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), narrowing its focus and limiting what the current administration claims are needless delays for federal approval of water, energy, and other infrastructure plans. For water and wastewater utilities, the changes could speed up permitting for critical projects, although experts warn the tradeoffs could do more harm than good. -
![Ultraviolet lamps for water disinfection-GettyImages-1271779123]( "Setting Global Standards: Inside North America's Only Full-Scale UV Disinfection Validation Facility")
Setting Global Standards: Inside North America's Only Full-Scale UV Disinfection Validation FacilityPortland's industry-leading facility reaches 100 reactor validations in 23 years. -
![Water analysis, purification, filtration, treatment, quality monitoring, contamination detection-GettyImages-2234293664]( "Why Haven't Field Tests For Lead In Water Gone Mainstream?")
Given the maturation of sensor technology, the scientific and operational hurdles to portable lead analysis are somewhat surprising — but surmountable. -
![peace-athabasca-delta-flood-mapping-265153]( "What Is Bathymetric Modeling? And How Can It Protect Ecosystems While Saving Resources?")
Bathymetric modeling maps underwater terrain. It also helps guide planning, prevent hazards, and build climate-resilient infrastructure.
DRINKING WATER VIDEOS
Discover how integrated membrane system designs can maximize the operating stability of EDI systems and reduce mixed bed regeneration frequency.
The recoating of a potable water tank in Lancaster, PA, included an already tight timeframe and several challenges that cause delays.
Discover how specialized restrained joints facilitate efficient horizontal directional drilling and bridge piping through a simplified, tool-free assembly process that ensures long-term reliability in challenging environments.
ABOUT DRINKING WATER
In most developed countries, drinking water is regulated to ensure that it meets drinking water quality standards. In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administers these standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
Drinking water considerations can be divided into three core areas of concern:
- Source water for a community’s drinking water supply
- Drinking water treatment of source water
- Distribution of treated drinking water to consumers
Drinking Water Sources
Source water access is imperative to human survival. Sources may include groundwater from aquifers, surface water from rivers and streams and seawater through a desalination process. Direct or indirect water reuse is also growing in popularity in communities with limited access to sources of traditional surface or groundwater.
Source water scarcity is a growing concern as populations grow and move to warmer, less aqueous climates; climatic changes take place and industrial and agricultural processes compete with the public’s need for water. The scarcity of water supply and water conservation are major focuses of the American Water Works Association.
Drinking Water Treatment
Drinking Water Treatment involves the removal of pathogens and other contaminants from source water in order to make it safe for humans to consume. Treatment of public drinking water is mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the U.S. Common examples of contaminants that need to be treated and removed from water before it is considered potable are microorganisms, disinfectants, disinfection byproducts, inorganic chemicals, organic chemicals and radionuclides.
There are a variety of technologies and processes that can be used for contaminant removal and the removal of pathogens to decontaminate or treat water in a drinking water treatment plant before the clean water is pumped into the water distribution system for consumption.
The first stage in treating drinking water is often called pretreatment and involves screens to remove large debris and objects from the water supply. Aeration can also be used in the pretreatment phase. By mixing air and water, unwanted gases and minerals are removed and the water improves in color, taste and odor.
The second stage in the drinking water treatment process involves coagulation and flocculation. A coagulating agent is added to the water which causes suspended particles to stick together into clumps of material called floc. In sedimentation basins, the heavier floc separates from the water supply and sinks to form sludge, allowing the less turbid water to continue through the process.
During the filtration stage, smaller particles not removed by flocculation are removed from the treated water by running the water through a series of filters. Filter media can include sand, granulated carbon or manufactured membranes. Filtration using reverse osmosis membranes is a critical component of removing salt particles where desalination is being used to treat brackish water or seawater into drinking water.
Following filtration, the water is disinfected to kill or disable any microbes or viruses that could make the consumer sick. The most traditional disinfection method for treating drinking water uses chlorine or chloramines. However, new drinking water disinfection methods are constantly coming to market. Two disinfection methods that have been gaining traction use ozone and ultra-violet (UV) light to disinfect the water supply.
Drinking Water Distribution
Drinking water distribution involves the management of flow of the treated water to the consumer. By some estimates, up to 30% of treated water fails to reach the consumer. This water, often called non-revenue water, escapes from the distribution system through leaks in pipelines and joints, and in extreme cases through water main breaks.
A public water authority manages drinking water distribution through a network of pipes, pumps and valves and monitors that flow using flow, level and pressure measurement sensors and equipment.
Water meters and metering systems such as automatic meter reading (AMR) and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) allows a water utility to assess a consumer’s water use and charge them for the correct amount of water they have consumed.